Oatley is a suburb in Southern Sydney, located 18 kilometres from the Sydney CBD. It is part of the St. George area and is under the Georges River Council. Based on the 2016 census, Oatley has 10,486 residents.
Several bodies of water are found in Oatley, such as the Georges River, Oatley Bay, Lime Kiln Bay, and the Neverfail Bay. While the suburbs neighbouring Oatley are; Mortdale, Penshurst, Hurstville Grove, Peakhurst Heights, Connells Point, Lugarno, Como and Oyster Bay.
History of Oatley
Oatley was named after James Oatley Snr, a watch-maker and one-time convict who was transported to Botany Bay in 1814 for a life sentence. Oatley, however, was granted a conditional pardon in 1821 and received several land grants, including areas near the Georges River.
The estate remained with the Oatley family until it was acquired in 1881, where a subdivision plan was issued shortly after. A railway was opened in 1886; however, the area remained isolated for a long time as it was considered too remote. The location was officially named as Oatley in 1903 when a post office was established in the suburb.
It was also in the early 1900s when facilities started to open in Oatley, such as a combined post and telephone office, railway station, churches, shops and the Oatley School of Arts Hall, which was the meeting place for residents at that time.
Facilities Around Oatley
From an area that thrived in the fishing and oyster farming industries, Oatley is now entirely a residential suburb. It is considered as a quiet and peaceful suburb - an ideal place to raise a family.
Several educational facilities are found in Oatley, which include: Oatley Public School, Oatley West Public School, St. Joseph's Catholic School and the Georges River College. A number of bush parks for families to enjoy are also found in Oatley like the Oatley Park and Oatley Pleasure Grounds.
The main commercial area in the suburb is located along Oatley Avenue and Frederick Street, near the railway station. Major supermarkets, restaurants and cafés are also found across the suburb.
As Oatley is surrounded by bodies of water, consequently, many water sports and recreation facilities are found around the Georges River and its bays.
Famous Destinations Around Oatley
Oatley Park
This park is famous among residents and visitors alike due to the many activities offered in Oatley Park. Amenities for bbq, soccer fields, a swimming area and the historic Oatley Castle are found here.
Moore Reserve
Another place to enjoy the outdoors is the Moore Reserve—a 14.2-hectare park that features a kids playground, an enclosed area where dogs can play safely and other recreational facilities.